Fourteen Former Hoosiers Prepare for the 2020 NFL Season

Written by Evan McShane

The Indiana Hoosiers have 14 former players in the NFL who have reported to training camp and are projected to earn roster sports in 2020. The NFL offseason was far from normal, but the regular season is set to open Thursday, September 10th with a full slate of games the following Sunday. Here’s an update on where those former Hoosiers are right now.

Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans

Rodger Saffold will begin his tenth NFL season and his second with the Tennessee Titnas. He is the longest tenured former Indiana Hoosier in the pros. Saffold has started 62 games out of a possible 64 the last four seasons, primarily at left guard. He’s seen his teams reach the AFC Championship Game (Titans 2019) and Super Bowl (Rams 2018) in the last two seasons. Saffold hopes to continue his durability streak in 2020 as Tennessee will try to build off of last year’s stellar season. 

Jordan Howard, RB, Miami Dolphins

After one injury-plagued season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Howard will get a fresh start in Miami. The Dolphins signed a two-year, $10M contract with the Dolphins and will work to earn a starting role. Howard has been impressive from the moment he entered the league. The former Hoosier running back is third in the NFL in rushing yards since 2016 when he was drafted (3,895 yards). Howard will have a chance to add to that total and then some in Miami.  

Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Tevin Coleman again experienced the bittersweet feeling of a Super Bowl loss. The young running back is entering his sixth NFL season and second with the 49ers. Coleman was unable to stay fully healthy last year, especially during the playoffs, and ultimately had to have surgery this offseason. Coleman opted into his second contract year with San Francisco where he can still thrive in an explosive offense without having to shoulder a heavy load of carries. 

Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Sudfeld will compete for a backup role in Philadelphia after signing a one-year deal with the Eagles in March. Sudfeld had surgery last season to repair a broken wrist sustained in preseason. The Hoosiers all-time leading passer, Sudfeld will look to cement his status as a reliable backup NFL QB in 2020.

Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers 

Dan Feeney enters the fourth season of a so-far successful NFL career with the LA Chargers. Feeney has started every game the past two seasons at left guard and will hope to continue that streak into 2020. Feeney and the Chargers are about to play their first season without Philip Rivers as QB since 2003.

Cody Latimer, WR, FA

Cody Latimer ran into some offseason trouble this summer and was released by Washington.

Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers 

Ian Thomas signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers back in 2018 after they drafted him. Thomas enters the third year of that contract having racked up 52 career receptions for 469 yards and three touchdowns. With long-time Panthers tight end Greg Olsen now gone, Thomas has a prime opportunity to earn a starting job. 

Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears

Jason Spriggs has had an unlucky and tumultuous start to his NFL career since the Green Bay Packers traded up to draft him in the second round of the 2016 Draft. Spriggs has battled several unfortunate injuries since he came into the league and his been unable to carve out a consistent role as a result. Spriggs will begin his fifth NFL season in Chicago in hopes to provide depth to the Bears’ offensive line.  

Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team 

Wes Martin was the only Indiana Hoosier selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was taken in the fourth round by Washington and started in five total games as a rookie. While Martin played due to injury replacement, he held his own for a rookie and will compete in 2020 for a more prominent role.

Dan Godsil, LS, Cincinnati Bengals 

Dan Godsil was one of the most accurate long snappers in IU football’s recent history. Godsil was signed to a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals back in January and will have a chance to compete for a starting LS role during camp.

Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Knight went undrafted, but signed a UFA deal with the Dallas Cowboys shortly after the draft. Knight played in seven games as a rookie and will have an opportunity to earn even more playing time in 2020. 

Robert McCray, DL, Cleveland Browns 

Robert McCray enters his third year in the NFL on the Cleveland Browns practice squad with a chance to earn a roster spot. McCray went undrafted in 2018 and made NFL debut last year in December where he made one tackle.   

Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers

Simon Stepaniak was the only Indiana Hoosier selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Green Bay Packers spent their-sixth round pick on the young offensive lineman in hopes he can bolster their guard rotation. Stepaniak will work for a supporting role on the Packers’ O-line.

Nick Westbrook, WR, Tennessee Titans

Nick Westbrook went undrafted but was signed almost immediately after the NFL Draft concluded. Westbrook inked a UFA contract with the Titans and will begin his pro career in Tennessee. The talented wide receiver finished his college career at IU top-ten all-time in catches, yardage, and touchdowns. Westbrook hopes he can use his size to carve out a role in the Titans’ wide receiver rotation.